Operation Muthana Strike destroys major Al-Qaeda in Iraq cell

TIKRIT, Iraq – Coalition forces detained more than 20 suspected terrorists and killed four during an operation targeting a major al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorist network along the Tigris River Valley in the western portion of the Ta’mim province June 4. Among the dead were a suspected cell leader and his top lieutenants who were part of a network that is responsible for car bomb attacks and weapons smuggling in the province, as well as surrounding areas in northern Iraq. The operation was conducted by elements of 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, along with other Coalition forces, and was a result of information gained from previous successful operations and tips from local citizens. “The result of this operation will severely impact the enemy’s ability to threaten the lives of innocent Iraqi citizens, as well as Iraqi Security and Coalition forces for some time, and was the result of the hard work of a lot of brave Soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Vanek, commander of 1st Bn., 87th Infantry Regiment,10th Mountain Division. http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20135&Itemid=128